Asphodelus luteus VI308 $95
Each print measures approximately 7 3/4 inches wide by 10 inches long.

We are delighted to present a selection of these exceedingly rare & beautiful original hand colored copper engravings from the monumental Icones plantarum medico-oeconomico-technologicarum, published in Vienna from 1800 to 1822. Ferdinand Bernhard Vietz (1772-1815) was the artist and engraver. In its entirety, this work consists of 11 volumes with 1100 botanical plates.

It was published at a time when Germany was transitioning from the overblown & elaborate Rococo style to the classic & elegant Biedermeier period. Under the neo-classical influence, design became simpler and more sophisticated. The style of Vietz is unique, in that it is a distillation of the work of many great botanical illustrators such as Blackwell, Weinman, Zorn & Woodville into a form that is superbly beautiful, with some of the most highly decorative engravings of all time. Vietz was an Austrian physician and Doctor of Medicine in Vienna & later on a Professor of forensic medicine at Vienna.

This monumental work is one of the rarest of all such publications, the British Natural History Museum writes of its own copy:

“Today, the work appears to be of extreme rarity, not being held in any other of the United Kingdom's national or public library collections. Only three copies have been found in North American libraries, of which two are certainly fragile and in need of conservation. One copy is in the Austrian National Library.”

Ref: Great Flower Books (1990) p. 147; British Natural History Museum.

We are currently offering a selection prints from this work in the large quarto size, approximately 7 3/4 inches wide by 10 inches long. They are beautifully hand colored engraved plates with very vivid coloration & superb design. The condition of the plates is excellent, remarkable for a work that is 200 years old. Each print is on superb quality hand made, chain-lined paper that is still strong, a soft white, almost entirely free of defects, and many with watermarks. There is no text, but a color copy of the decorative title page will be provided. It is definitely among the rarest of our offerings. This is a great opportunity for the collector who prizes both the rare & beautiful.

We accept credit cards, PayPal, checks, and money orders. Washington state residents pay Washington state sales tax. Shipping for this item is $8.95. Items can be combined to save on postage. Our environment is smoke free. We pack professionally using only new materials. All items are beautifully wrapped and suitable for sending directly as gifts. You may return any item within 7 days if not satisfied. To order, you may call us at 1-888-PANTEEK, or email.